How Do I Export from India to the USA?

Why Export to the USA from India?

The United States is India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding 30 billion annually. The US consistently ranks as the top destination for Indian exports, absorbing approximately 17-18% of India's total merchandise exports.

What Does India Export to the USA?

Which Shipping Routes Connect India to the USA?

The primary shipping corridors from India to the US connect major Indian ports to US gateway ports:

What Documents Do I Need to Export to the USA?

Exporting from India to the USA requires documentation for both Indian customs (export side) and US Customs and Border Protection (import side). Missing or incorrect documents can cause shipment holds, demurrage charges, and compliance penalties.

What Import Duties Will the US Charge on My Products?

US import duties are governed by the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). India receives MFN (Most Favored Nation) or "Normal Trade Relations" rates, which are the standard tariff rates applied to WTO member countries.

How Does the US Tariff System (HTSUS) Work?

Every product entering the US is classified under a 10-digit HTS code. The first 6 digits follow the international Harmonized System (same as India's ITC-HS codes), while the last 4 digits are US-specific subdivisions. The HTS code determines the applicable duty rate, any quota restrictions, and whether the product faces additional tariffs (such as Section 301).

Has India Lost GSP Duty-Free Benefits?

India was the largest beneficiary of the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, which provided duty-free entry for approximately 1,900 product categories. The US terminated India's GSP benefits effective June 5, 2019, citing trade barrier concerns. As of August 2026, GSP has not been renewed for India, meaning all Indian goods now face standard MFN duty rates.

What Are the US Duty Rates for Common Indian Exports?

Do Section 301 Tariffs Apply to Indian Products?

Originally targeted at China, Section 301 tariffs of 7.5-25% apply to a broad range of product categories. While India is not the primary target, certain Indian products in overlapping HS codes have been caught under expanded lists. Check the USTR's published lists to confirm whether your specific HTS code is subject to additional duties.

Can I Ship Small Orders Duty-Free Under the $800 De Minimis Rule?

The US has a $800 de minimis threshold. Individual shipments valued at or below $800 can enter the US duty-free and with simplified customs clearance. This is particularly relevant for e-commerce sellers shipping individual orders directly to US customers (FBM/DTC model).

What US Compliance Rules Must Indian Exporters Follow?

The US has some of the most stringent product safety and labeling regulations in the world. Non-compliance can result in shipment seizure, product recalls, and permanent import bans. Understanding which agencies regulate your product category is essential before you ship.

4.1 What Does the FDA Require from Indian Exporters?

The FDA regulates food, dietary supplements, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and tobacco products entering the US.

FDA Requirements for Indian Exporters

• Food facility registration. Every foreign facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds food for US consumption must register with the FDA (renewed biennially in even-numbered years).
• Prior Notice. FDA Prior Notice must be filed before each food shipment arrives in the US (15 days for sea freight, 4 hours for air freight).
• FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program). Your US importer must maintain an FSVP, verifying that your food products meet US safety standards.
• Cosmetics registration (MoCRA). Since the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (2022), cosmetic facilities must register and list products with the FDA. Adverse event reporting is now mandatory.
• Drug registration. Pharmaceutical exporters need FDA drug establishment registration, NDC codes, and compliance with cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices). Generic drugs require ANDA approval.
• Medical devices. Class I devices need general controls; Class II require 510(k) clearance; Class III need Premarket Approval (PMA). All require establishment registration and device listing.

4.2 What Are CPSC Safety Requirements for Consumer Products?

The CPSC regulates consumer products for safety, particularly children's products. Key requirements:

• Children's products must comply with CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act). Third-party testing for lead, phthalates, and mechanical hazards is mandatory. Products must carry a tracking label.
• General Certificate of Conformity (GCC). Required for non-children's consumer products certifying compliance with applicable CPSC safety standards.
• Flammability standards. Textiles, mattresses, and children's sleepwear must meet specific flammability requirements (16 CFR 1610, 1615, 1616).
• Product registration cards required for durable infant and toddler products.

4.3 Do My Electronics Need FCC Certification?

Any electronic device that emits radio frequency energy requires FCC authorization before it can be marketed in the US. This includes smartphones, Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi routers, IoT devices, LED lighting, and even USB cables with electronic components.

• FCC ID certification. Required for intentional radiators (devices that deliberately emit RF energy, e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).
• Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). Required for unintentional radiators (devices that generate RF as a byproduct, e.g., computers, monitors).
• Testing must be performed by an FCC-accredited lab (several in India are accredited).

4.4 What EPA Rules Apply to Chemical and Product Imports?

The EPA regulates chemicals, pesticides, and certain manufactured products:

• TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act). Chemicals imported into the US must comply with TSCA. Importers must certify that chemicals are on the TSCA Inventory or are exempt.
• FIFRA. Pesticides and antimicrobial products require EPA registration before import.
• Energy Star / DOE standards. Certain appliances and lighting products must meet energy efficiency standards.

4.5 What Does USDA/APHIS Require for Agricultural Exports?

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulates agricultural imports to prevent introduction of pests and diseases:

• Phytosanitary certificate required for plant products (spices, rice, tea, fruit, vegetables).
• FSIS inspection for meat, poultry, and egg products (India is currently not approved for meat export to the US).
• Fumigation or heat treatment may be required for certain commodities (e.g., mangoes require irradiation treatment).
• Wood packaging must comply with ISPM-15 (heat-treated and marked).

4.6 What Labeling Rules Must I Follow for the US Market?

US labeling requirements are enforced strictly. Failure to comply can result in shipment detention at the port:

• Country of origin. "Made in India" must be clearly and permanently marked on the product (19 USC 1304). The marking must be legible, indelible, and in a conspicuous location.
• Textile labels. Must include fiber content (percentage), country of origin, and manufacturer/importer name per the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and Care Labeling Rule.
• Food labeling. Nutrition Facts panel, ingredient list, allergen declarations, net weight in US customary units (oz, lb), and manufacturer address.
• Proposition 65 (California). Products containing chemicals on California's Prop 65 list must carry a warning label. This effectively applies nationwide since most sellers ship to California.

How Do I Ship Products from India to the USA?

Choosing the right shipping method depends on your product type, volume, urgency, and budget. Here's a comparison of the three main options for India-to-USA shipments.

Which Incoterms Should I Use for US Shipments?

The Incoterm you choose determines who bears responsibility (and cost) for freight, insurance, and customs clearance at each stage:

How Does US Customs Clearance Work?

1. ISF filing (10+2). Submitted 24 hours before vessel loading at the Indian port.
2. Vessel arrives at US port. Shipping line files a manifest with US CBP.
3. Customs broker files entry (CBP Form 3461). Goods are released if cleared, or held for examination.
4. Duties and fees are assessed. Importer pays duties, MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee, 0.3464%), and HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fee, 0.125% for sea freight).
5. Goods are released. Typically 2-5 business days for standard clearance. FDA-regulated goods may face additional holds for inspection.

How Do I Get Paid for US Exports?

Choosing the right payment method affects your cash flow, foreign exchange costs, and FEMA compliance. Here's a comparison of the most common methods for India-to-US trade.

What Export Incentives Can I Claim for USA Shipments?

The Indian government offers several schemes to support exporters. These incentives can significantly improve your margins when exporting to the US.

How Much RoDTEP Refund Can I Claim?

RoDTEP refunds embedded taxes and duties that are not rebated through other mechanisms (state levies on fuel, electricity duty, mandi tax, etc.). The benefit is calculated as a percentage of FOB value.

Calculate your RoDTEP benefit by entering your HS code.

How Does Duty Drawback Work for US Exports?

Refund of customs duties and central excise duties paid on imported or domestically procured inputs used in the manufacture of exported goods. Rates are specified in the All Industry Rate (AIR) schedule or can be claimed at actual rates via Brand Rate. Duty Drawback and RoDTEP can be claimed simultaneously.

Can I Get Subsidised Export Credit Under the Interest Equalisation Scheme?

Provides interest subvention of 2% for manufacturer exporters and 3% for MSME manufacturer exporters (up to 5% for certain sectors) on pre-shipment and post-shipment rupee export credit. The subsidy is applied directly by your bank, reducing your effective borrowing cost. Available for 410 tariff lines at the 4-digit level.

How Does the EPCG Scheme Help Exporters?

Allows import of capital goods (machinery, equipment) at zero customs duty, subject to an export obligation of 6x the duty saved over 6 years. Useful for exporters setting up or upgrading manufacturing facilities. The scheme covers both new and second-hand capital goods.

How Does Advance Authorisation Reduce My Input Costs?

Permits duty-free import of raw materials, components, and intermediates needed for export production. The authorization specifies the input-output norms (quantity of inputs allowed per unit of export output). No export obligation beyond using the inputs for export production. Valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

What Challenges Will I Face in the US Market?

While the US market offers enormous opportunity, Indian exporters face several structural challenges that require careful planning.

How Do Section 301 and 232 Tariffs Affect Indian Exports?

While primarily targeting China, the broader tariff regime has made the US import landscape more complex. Indian steel and aluminum exports face 25% and 10% Section 232 tariffs respectively. Certain chemical and electronic products may face Section 301 duties. The unpredictability of US trade policy adds risk to long-term pricing commitments.

How Has the Loss of GSP Benefits Hurt Indian Exporters?

The loss of GSP benefits in 2019 increased effective duty rates by 3-5% on approximately $6 billion worth of Indian exports. Categories most affected include auto components, building materials, chemicals, and certain agricultural products. Exporters in these categories have had to absorb the cost or raise prices, reducing competitiveness against countries that still enjoy GSP (e.g., Bangladesh for textiles, Vietnam for electronics).

How Much Does US Regulatory Compliance Cost?

Compliance with US regulatory agencies is expensive and time-consuming. FDA food facility registration is straightforward, but maintaining compliance with FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) requirements adds ongoing costs. CPSC testing for children's products can cost $2,000- 0,000 per product line. FCC testing for electronics runs $3,000- 5,000 depending on the device. Many small Indian exporters underestimate these costs.

How Do High US Return Rates Affect E-commerce Sellers?

US consumers expect generous return policies. E-commerce return rates in the US average 15-20% overall, and can exceed 30% in fashion categories. For Indian sellers on Amazon or Shopify, returns are especially painful. The product ships to a US return center, and getting it back to India is rarely cost-effective. Budget for returns as a direct cost of doing business in the US market.

How Long Does It Take to Get Paid and Repatriate Funds?

The gap between shipping goods and receiving payment can be 60-120 days for B2B trade and 30-60 days for marketplace sales. With the 9-month FEMA deadline for repatriation, slow-moving inventory or payment disputes can create compliance risk. Add FX conversion time, Amazon's holding periods, and bank processing, and the effective cash cycle can strain working capital for small exporters.

What Intellectual Property Risks Should I Watch For?

US Customs actively enforces intellectual property rights. Products suspected of trademark or patent infringement can be seized and destroyed at the border. Indian exporters selling private-label or unbranded products on Amazon should conduct thorough trademark searches and avoid designs that could be confused with established US brands. Registering your own trademark with the USPTO (and enrolling in Amazon Brand Registry) provides proactive protection.

Where Can I Find More Information?

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Update history

• 2026-08-09 Content reviewed and updated.
• 2026-08-01 First published.